• December 28 2018,  Everett

    City of Everett’s Holiday Assistance Program supports over 500 families

    December 27, 2018

    Mayor Carlo DeMaria would like to extend the City of Everett’s appreciation to local Everett businesses and residents for their generous donations in 2018 to the City’s Human Services Assistance Programs, which benefit Everett families in crisis. The City’s Holiday Program has remained strong – and Mayor DeMaria attributes that to Everett’s amazing business community and compassionate residents. “I would like to thank all of the businesses and residents who donated to our fundraising efforts this year,” stated Mayor DeMaria. “Whether you helped out with the holiday meals program, donated a gift card or a toy at Christmas, or sent a check to our Human Services Office in support of…

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  • December 28 2018,  Saugus

    Kids hoping for return of candy at Santa Parade

    December 27, 2018

    By Tara Vocino Santa and Mrs. Claus visited fewer town streets during their Santa Parade that clocked in at two hours shorter than last year’s and with much less candy distribution due to safety concerns on Christmas Eve, leading to mixed reviews from parade-goers. “Change is good,” Lisa Pasquarello said. “While it is shorter, there are a variety of floats, so that begins a new tradition.” Her daughter, Aundrea, 5; however, was looking forward to having candy thrown at her by float passengers. For Emma, 7 1/2, and Lily Follis, 2 1/2, candy was the first thing that they asked for, according to their grandmother, Patti. “They’re disappointed,” their mother,…

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  • December 21 2018,  Revere

    Festive (Not) Ugly Sweaters coat drive to benefit needy children this winter

    December 21, 2018

     By Tara Vocino People got festive last Wednesday at Volare by wearing (Not) Ugly Christmas Sweaters at Coats for Kids, where guests donated toys and winter accessories to needy children. “I was volunteering at Youth in Action four years ago, and saw that there was one child who didn’t have a winter coat, but that’s one too many,” said event co-organizer Mike DiGangi, who was wearing a Nutcracker sweater. DiGangi asked the school department if there were more needy children – there were – and that’s how the third annual coat drive was initiated. He organized the drive with Ward 4 City Councillor Patrick Keefe and Matthew Parlante, who were…

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  • December 21 2018,  Lynnfield,  Peabody

    Breakfast with Santa at St. Maria Goretti Church

    December 21, 2018

    LYNNFIELD – As busy as he is this time of year, Santa once again made sure he found time to stop off at St. Maria Goretti (SMG) Parish. SMG’s traditional “Breakfast with Santa” event started off with Deacon Mark Ruiz gathering the children to tell them about the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, who brought the first Christmas gifts to the baby Jesus. Then the kids were treated to a breakfast of Dunkin’ Donuts doughnuts and hot chocolate, courtesy of parishioner Maryann Coletta. Orla, a Golden Retriever certified therapy dog, was also on hand to calm any anxiety over meeting the “big guy from…

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  • December 21 2018,  Lynnfield,  Peabody

    Bambinelli Sunday celebrated at OLA and SMG

    December 21, 2018

    Bambinelli Sunday celebrated at OLA and SMG LYNNFIELD – On Sunday, December 16, both St. Maria Goretti Parish (SMG) and Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish celebrated “Bambinelli Sunday.” This tradition was begun by Pope St. John Paul II and is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday. He invited people to come to St. Peter’s Square in Rome and bring their “bambinelli” or Baby Jesus figurines from their home crèches and nativity scenes. Then, he would bless them and people would take them home and wrap them. This becomes the first present to be opened on Christmas day to remind the whole family…

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